Forty-five students from Furr High School and volunteers braved the chilly weather and began installing a native plant garden at the intersection of Lockwood and Harrisburg in the East End on Wednesday, November 12. Previously covered in concrete and turf grass, the 200′ by 30′ space will be planted with native trees and plants that will provide shade and a place for the public to enjoy nature while waiting for the bus or MetroRail. The garden is designed for wildlife, specifically pollinators, including birds, butterflies and other insects. It will include a water feature that will intermittently provide water and the native grasses, shrubs and trees will provide nectar, berries and seeds.

Funding for the Lockwood Nature Garden comes from the Connecting People with Nature grant administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department and a TIGER grant awarded to the City of Houston to connect trails and promote access to transit. This area will be at a light rail stop at Harrisburg and Lockwood. The park will become a part of the network of sidewalks, trails and parks that support pedestrian and bike activity throughout the East End.